Kareem Hunt, Mecole Hardman, Mike Danna Status

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be shorthanded against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football due to the sideline status of running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. However, on Saturday the Chiefs saw most players return to full participation in training and head coach Andy Reid gave reason for optimism regarding the team’s players who had missed part of the preparation for the week.

Running back Kareem Hunt (shoulder) was officially limited in practice Thursday and Friday, but was a full participant Saturday, clearing the way for him to take the field at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since returning to Kansas City.

Defensive end Mike Danna (calf) was also limited for practice Thursday and Friday, but was listed as a full participant Saturday. Like Hunt, Danna received no game day designation, meaning he is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing last week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

More good news came for wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee), who was limited Thursday before missing Friday’s practice. Hardman was listed as a full participant Saturday and is listed as questionable against New Orleans.

With an already thin group of wide receivers, Reid was asked if the Chiefs would consider elevating one of their three wide receivers from the practice squad for Saturday’s game, potentially calling up Nikko Remigio, Justyn Ross or Montrell Washington.

“I’ll visit with (general manager Brett) Veach, but right now I think we’re OK with the wide receiver position there,” Reid said.

Even with a healthy Hardman, the Chiefs only have five active receivers on the 53-man roster: Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore and Hardman.

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who began his 21-day practice window as he returns from the non-football illness (NFI) list, was limited Saturday and will officially be listed as questionable for the Monday game. Reid said Edwards-Helaire “had a good week of practice, it’s good to get him back in the swing of things.”

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